Parent Approved Treatments for Diaper Rash
We've rounded up the best treatments for diaper rash, recommended by the parents who use them because they really work!
Parents are sharing their tried-and-true picks for the best diaper rash cream to soothe, heal and prevent future flare-ups. A good quality, effective remedy is essential to keep on hand as part of your baby care routine. If your little one uses cloth diapers, make sure to choose an option that won't stain, or remember protect the fabric with a liner.
We want to know about your pick for the best diaper rash cream. Vote for your favorite and share your reviews!
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Dr. Smith's On-the-Go Diaper Rash Spray
christadiserio: For the parent who's constantly on-the-go and needs an effective diaper rash spray - you must try Dr. Smith's. My daughter has very sensitive skin, so we'd have to use diaper spray after every diaper change until about 4 months. Dr. Smith's saved me from the mess of having to rub the diaper cream with my fingers and also protected my daughter's skin thoroughly. The spray has a fresh smell but is not too overpowering. My husband was a big fan of this diaper rash spray, too.
Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash
Hannah Scott: Triple Paste is often cited as working after everything else has been attempted, so it definitely merits a spot on this list! Though more expensive than some options, it typically clears the rash very quickly, so many parents agree that it's worth the extra cost. Triple Paste also offers a satisfaction guarantee!
Desitin Daily Defense Diaper Rash Cream
Hannah Scott: This fragrance free diaper rash remedy is easy to apply and equally easy to wipe off. Strong enough for overnight diapers, it's also paraben free, dye free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste
Hannah Scott: With a name like "Butt Paste," is it any wonder this diaper rash cream was developed by a pharmacist who also happened to be a father of 4? This cream comes in four varieties: Original, Maximum Strength, Sensitive Skin, and Natural (which is cloth diaper safe). The consistency is thicker than many other creams, which helps it stay in place after it's applied. And the smell is great without being too overpowering!
Aquaphor Baby 3 in 1 Diaper Rash Cream
Hannah Scott: You may be familiar with the regular Aquaphor formula, which is a clear gel. While the original is also effective, this is a white cream specifically formulated for diaper rash. The "3-in-1" refers to the 3 functions of the cream: preventing, soothing, and treating diaper rash. Zinc Oxide is the effective ingredient, and it's preservative-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic.
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
Alexandra F.: This is an awesome healing cream, and I've used it for rashes myself as well as on my babies as a diaper cream. Works wonders, even on our sensitive skin! Only trouble is that it is made in Ireland so it can be tough (or expensive) to find in the U.S. I've been able to find it online through Walmart.
A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
Hannah Scott: A+D Ointment is named for the two vitamins it contains that helps it clear up diaper rash and chafing, along with lanolin and petrolatum. Parents report that it "lasts forever," since a little goes a long way! A+D has a strong, pungent smell -- but its effectiveness more than makes up for it.
Badger Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream
Kelly R: This diaper cream uses 99% organic ingredients to treat and prevent diaper rash. Calendula and Zinc Oxide calm, protect and help irritated skin heal faster. If you use cloth diapers, be sure to use a liner with this cream to protect the diaper from developing buildup. No animal testing.
Calmoseptine Ointment
Stephanie W.: This ointment does NOT mess around. It is the thickest cream I've found so far, and it has a great cooling sensation to help calm down an angry diaper rash. It is designed to aid with wounds as well. Would highly recommend this cream for a bad diaper rash!
Balmex Diaper Rash Cream
Stephanie W.: Balmex makes a great protective diaper rash cream that has zinc oxide in it and is thicker than some of the other brands I have tried. My daughter recently got bad diaper rash for the first time and our Aquaphor wasn't cutting it, so we tried this Balmex and it has helped tremendously in just a day!
Burt's Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment
Hannah Scott: Burt's Bees is way more than just lip balm! Their baby line of products is formulated with no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS and is not tested on animals. This diaper cream is thick enough to completely cover any sores without budging.
California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Ointment
Hannah Scott: Known as the best diaper rash cream among many cloth diapering parents, this California Baby ointment is scented with lavender oil, but a Super-Sensitive option is available that uses no fragrances. California Baby products are preservative-free, cruelty-free (using plant-based ingredients), allergy-tested, and contain no synthetic fragrances.
Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Made with organic ingredients, 14% zinc oxide and no fragrances, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste is the perfect way to prevent and treat diaper rash while creating a barrier against wetness and irritants to protect your little one.
Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Cream
Kelly R: Weleda diaper cream uses calendula and zinc oxide to soothe and protect even the most sensitive skin. The natural formula glides on easily and is free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances.
Earth Mama Baby Organic Diaper Balm
Kelly R: If you use cloth diapers, traditional treatments for diaper rash can create a film on the diaper that doesn't wash off and stops absorbency. This Organic Diaper Balm is cloth diaper safe and made with gentle but effective herbs and oils that treat existing rashes and prevent future flare-ups. Plus, if you have any left after the diaper phase, it serves as a great remedy for other irritations like bug bites and scrapes.
Primary photo: The Honest Company on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.